Gaming system and a method of gaming

ABSTRACT

A method of conducting a linked gaming event comprises determining that a first gaming device participating in the gaming event is to be awarded the primary prize. A determination is further made as to whether at least one second gaming device is to be awarded a secondary prize, the determination based at least in part on the location of the second gaming device with respect to the first gaming device. The primary prize and secondary prize are subsequently awarded.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2007907068, having a filing date of Dec. 21, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

Not Applicable]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming system, a controller, and method for awarding prizes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many venues employ controllers for awarding prizes to one or more of a plurality of gaming devices participating in a linked event. For example, in a linked event where jackpot prizes are awarded, a portion of turnover on each gaming device will typically be forwarded to a jackpot controller as a contribution. That is, part of each wager goes towards the jackpot. The technique can be extended to a so called wide area jackpot where gaming devices from a number of different venues contribute to a single jackpot pool.

One common way of awarding a jackpot is a so called mystery jackpot where a trigger value, generally in a prize range, is randomly selected and stored by the jackpot controller. The jackpot controller determines to award the jackpot prize when the contributions cause the value of the jackpot pool to reach the trigger value.

While such techniques provide an opportunity for players to win large jackpot prizes, the need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment. It would also be advantageous if there was provided a gaming system for increasing the social interaction between players.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect there is provided a method of conducting a linked gaming event, comprising:

determining that a first gaming device participating in the gaming event is to be awarded the primary prize;

determining at least one second gaming device to award a secondary prize, the determination based at least in part on the location of the second gaming device with respect to the first gaming device; and

awarding the primary prize and secondary prize.

In an embodiment the method comprises the further step of determining a proportional amount of the primary prize to be awarded as the secondary prize.

In an embodiment the method comprises the further step of determining a further proportional amount for awarding to at least one third gaming device.

In an embodiment the at least one second gaming device is located in closer proximity to the first gaming device than the at least one third gaming device.

In an embodiment the further proportional amount has a lesser value than the proportional amount awarded to the at least one second gaming device.

In an embodiment the at least one second gaming device is located within a specified distance of the first gaming device.

In an embodiment the at least one second gaming device has a specific spatial orientation with respect to the first gaming device.

In an embodiment the at least one second gaming device is located within a predetermined number of gaming devices adjacent to the first gaming device.

In an embodiment the method comprises the further step of providing an indication as to the location of the first gaming device.

In an embodiment the method comprises the further step of providing the indication on a display viewable by a player of the at least one second and/or third gaming devices.

In an embodiment the display is further arranged to display one or more of the amount of the primary prize and a value of the secondary prize.

In a second aspect there is provided a controller for a linked gaming event, the controller comprising a:

determination module arranged to:

-   -   (a) determine that a first gaming device participating in the         gaming event is to be awarded a primary prize;     -   (b) determine at least one second gaming device to award a         secondary prize, the determination based at least in part on the         location of the second gaming device with respect to the first         gaming device; and award module arrange to award the primary         prize and secondary prize.

In an embodiment the determination module is further arranged to determine a proportional amount of the primary prize to be awarded as the secondary primary prize.

In an embodiment the determination module is further arranged to determine a further proportional amount for awarding to at least one third gaming device.

In an embodiment the controller further comprises a database arranged to store the relative positions of the first gaming device and at least one second and/or third gaming device.

In an embodiment the at least one second gaming device is located within either a specified distance of, or number of devices adjacent to, the first gaming device.

In an embodiment the at least one second gaming device has a specific spatial orientation with respect to the first gaming device.

In an embodiment the controller further comprises a display module arranged to provide an indication as to the location of the first gaming device on a display.

In an embodiment the controller is a jackpot controller. In such an embodiment, the primary prize may be, for example, a jackpot prize.

In a third aspect, there is provided a gaming system in which a linked gaming event may be conducted, the gaming system comprising:

a first and at least one second gaming device which may participate in the linked gaming event; and

a controller in accordance with the second aspect.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention provides computer program code which when executed by a processor implements the above method.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a computer readable medium providing a computer program in accordance with the fourth aspect.

In accordance with a sixth aspect there is provided a data signal comprising the program code of the fourth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming device in the form of a stand alone gaming machine;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of the gaming machine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a memory;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a jackpot controller;

FIG. 6 is a schematic showing an example implementation for awarding prizes to gaming devices of the gaming system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment a gaming system is provided which comprises a jackpot controller for a linked gaming event. The jackpot controller comprises a jackpot determination module which is arranged to award a primary prize to a first gaming device participating in the gaming event, and determine at least one second gaming machine to award a secondary prize. The determination is based at least in part on the location of the second gaming device with respect to the first gaming device. An award module is also provided to award the primary prize and secondary prize.

General System Configuration

In the gaming system configuration 100, a jackpot controller 110 is in data communication with a plurality of gaming devices 120 over a network 130. The gaming devices 120 are arranged in two banks 103 of two gaming machines 120. A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that other configurations may be viable.

Gaming Devices

Herein, the term gaming device is used to refer to any device used by a player to a play a game and specifically includes stand alone gaming machines and interactive video terminals which implement games in a client/server architecture.

A gaming device in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module comprising a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.

A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.

The display 14 shown in FIG. 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine 300 which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of FIG. 2.

The gaming machine 300 includes a game controller 301 having a processor 302. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 302 are stored in a memory 303, which is in data communication with the processor 302. Typically, the gaming machine 300 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 303.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 304 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 305 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 300. The input/output interface 305 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 313 generates random numbers for use by the processor 302. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 320 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 301 comprise one or more displays 306, buttons and/or a touch screen 307, a card and/or ticket reader 308, a printer 309, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 310 and a coin output mechanism 311. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 300, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation.

In addition, the gaming machine 300 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 312. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 303. The memory 303 includes RAM 303A, EPROM 303B and a mass storage device 303C. The RAM 303A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 302 and related data. The EPROM 303B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 303C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 302 using protected code from the EPROM 303B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 300 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 306,307,308,309,310,311 to be provided remotely from the game controller 301.

A gaming device as indicated above may also take the form of a client/server architecture where a portion of the game is executed on the client and a portion of the game is executed on the server. In such embodiments, the client typically takes the form of an interactive video terminal which has a similar outward appearance to the gaming machine described above. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the type of gaming device that is employed is not important to the present invention.

Further Detail of the Controller

As described in preceding paragraphs, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for awarding primary and secondary prizes to gaming devices participating in a linked gaming event, such as a linked event implemented over the network 130 (described previously with reference to FIG. 1).

More particularly, the system may determine non primary prize-winning gaming devices (hereafter “second gaming devices”) to award the secondary prize, with the determination based, in part, on the location of the second gaming device with respect to the primary prize winning device (hereafter “first gaming device”). For example, secondary prizes may be awarded to second gaming devices located within a specified distance of, or number of devices adjacent to the first gaming device. In accordance with such an embodiment, the sense of community shared between the players may be heightened.

To carry out such functionality, the gaming system 100 comprises a controller as shown in more detail in FIG. 5. According to the described embodiment, the controller is in the form of a jackpot controller 110 which can be incorporated, for example, into a jackpot server of the gaming system 100. For simplicity, only those modules needed to carry out embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIG. 5.

The jackpot controller 110 includes a processor 52 which is arranged to carry out the functions associated with awarding the primary prize and secondary prize in the linked gaming event. It will be apparent that the processor 52 implements a number of modules, namely a random number generator 521, determination module 522, award module 524 and display controller module 526, based on program code stored in memory 54.

The memory 54 is also arranged to store a database 528 providing the necessary information to determine the relative position/orientation of each gaming device participating in the linked gaming event. In one embodiment, each gaming device is referenced by a unique number which is used in all communications to/from the linked gaming device. Upon set-up, a positional map is built by the jackpot controller 110 which includes the identifier of each participating gaming device, the relevant bank number and associated position therein. For example, with reference to the example implementation shown in FIG. 6, the following data may be stored in the database 528 for gaming devices 120 a to 120 g:

TABLE 1 Map data No Identifier Bank Position 120a 2000021 103b 4 120b 2000022 103b 3 120c 2000026 103b 5 120d 2000024 103b 2 120e 2000027 103b 6 120f 2000023 103b 1 120g 2000028 103b 7 120h 2000029 103a 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . The map is manually entered into the database 528. However, in alternative embodiments the map could be automatically built by the jackpot controller 110 using the relevant data communicated from the respective gaming devices 120 a to 120 g during initialisation.

The linked gaming event implemented by the gaming system 200 is in the form of a progressive mystery-type jackpot game, with the primary prize corresponding to the major primary prize awarded in the jackpot game. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the linked gaming event could comprise of any conventional linked gaming event, including, for example, outcome-based jackpot systems and the like.

With reference to FIG. 6, there is shown an example implementation for awarding prizes in a progressive mystery-type jackpot game. In such an example implementation, gaming devices 120 are located in a series of banks 103 a, 103 b, 103 c. A percentage of each wager placed by the gaming devices 120 in a base game, such as a standard reel game, goes towards a progressive jackpot prize pool. A jackpot trigger value is predetermined by the jackpot controller 110 to fall between a lower jackpot value and upper jackpot value. The jackpot trigger value falls somewhere between the lower and upper jackpot value and is randomly determined utilising the RNG 521. Upon reaching or surpassing the jackpot trigger value, a jackpot event is initiated by the jackpot controller 110. The jackpot determination module 522 subsequently determines which of the linked gaming devices 120 provided the contribution that triggered the jackpot event and awards that device with the primary prize (i.e., in this embodiment, the jackpot prize).

In the illustrated embodiment, gaming device 120 a triggered the jackpot event and is therefore awarded the jackpot prize. Responsive to determining that the jackpot prize is to be awarded, the determination module 522 determines at least one second gaming device to award a secondary prize. The determination is based, in part, on the location of the second gaming device with respect to the gaming device that is to be awarded the jackpot prize, i.e. gaming device 120 a. According to the embodiment described herein, in order to be awarded a secondary prize, the second gaming devices must be located within a specified number of gaming devices adjacent gaming device 120 a. For example, in FIG. 6, only linked devices located within two adjacent positions of the first gaming device 120 a are to be awarded the secondary prize. The secondary prize may, for example, take the form of bonus credits, coupons, feature games or any other conventional prize suitable for awarding to a gaming device. In the illustrated embodiment, however, a proportional amount of the total jackpot prize is awarded to the second gaming devices, which decreases in value the further away the devices are located from the first gaming device 120 a.

For example, in FIG. 6, gaming devices 120 b and 120 c are both located immediately adjacent the first gaming device 120 a (i.e. at positions 3 and 5) and are therefore awarded a higher proportional amount than gaming devices 120 d and 120 e (located at positions 2 and 6, respectively). Gaming devices 120 f and 120 g are not awarded a prize as they are located more than the specified number of devices away from the first gaming device 120 a.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that value of the secondary prize can vary depending on the actual implementation. For example, in some implementations, the secondary prize value will vary as a function of time or as a function of the value of the jackpot prize pool.

In an embodiment, should the jackpot controller 110 determine that one of the devices to be awarded the secondary prize is not active (e.g. it has not contributed to the jackpot pool for a specified period of time), then the prize to be awarded to that device can either be passed on to the next adjacent device or put back into the jackpot prize pool. It is envisaged that other re-distribution arrangements may also be implemented depending on the actual arrangement of the linked devices.

An indication as to the identity and/or location of the first gaming device 120 a is provided to further facilitate interaction between players. In one implementation, the location and/or identity of the first gaming device 120 a is displayed on the display module of each gaming device awarded the secondary prize. For example, a flashing arrow points in the direction of the first gaming device 120 a. In addition, the first gaming device 120 a can advertise its position by providing a visual or auditory alarm.

The method of the invention is summarised in FIG. 7. At step 702 it is determined that a first gaming device participating in the gaming event is to be awarded a primary prize. Responsive to determining that the primary prize is to be awarded, at step 704, the jackpot controller 110 determines at least one second gaming machine to award a secondary prize. The determination is based, at least in part, on the location of the second gaming device with respect to the first gaming device. In a final step 706, the primary prize and secondary prize are awarded to the first gaming device and at least one second gaming device, respectively.

In an alternative embodiment to that described above, the positional map stored by the database 528 specifies the actual location of each gaming device. For example, Cartesian co-ordinates of each of the linked gaming devices are input in association with the unique gaming device identifier. In such an embodiment, the jackpot controller can be arranged to award secondary prizes to gaming devices located within a specified distance, or radius, of the primary prize-winning device. In an alternative embodiment, the requirement may also specify the direction or orientation of the at least second gaming device with respect to the first gaming device. In this manner, gaming operators or the like can specify individual rows or banks in which the at least one second gaming device is to be located. In an embodiment, the relative location of each gaming device is determined by the gaming devices themselves by using conventional wireless triangulation locating methods and then communicated to the jackpot controller to build the positional map.

According to embodiments of the present invention, non primary-prize winning gaming devices can be determined for awarding a secondary prize, with the determination based at least in part on the location of the non primary-prize winning gaming device with respect to the primary prize winning gaming device. According to such a technique, the sense of community among linked players may be increased and as a result the overall enjoyment experienced by the players.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 

1. A method of conducting a linked gaming event, comprising: determining that a first gaming device participating in the gaming event is to be awarded the primary prize; determining at least one second gaming device to award a secondary prize, the determination based at least in part on the location of the second gaming device with respect to the first gaming device; and awarding the primary prize and secondary prize.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising the further step of determining a proportional amount of the primary prize to be awarded as the secondary primary prize.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 2, comprising the further step of determining a further proportional amount for awarding to at least one third gaming device.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one second gaming device is located in closer proximity to the first gaming device than the at least one third gaming device.
 5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the further proportional amount has a lesser value than the proportional amount awarded to the at least one second gaming device.
 6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second gaming device is located within either a specified distance of or number of machines adjacent to the first gaming device.
 7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second gaming device has a specific spatial orientation with respect to the first gaming device.
 8. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising the further step of providing an indication as to the location of the first gaming device.
 9. A method as claimed in claim 8, comprising the further step of providing the indication on a display viewable by a player of the at least one second and/or third gaming devices.
 10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the display is further arranged to display one or more of the amount of the primary prize and a value of the secondary prize.
 11. A controller for awarding prizes in a linked gaming event, the controller comprising a: determination module arranged to: (a) determine that a first gaming device participating in the gaming event is to be awarded a primary prize; (b) determine at least one second gaming device to award a secondary prize, the determination based at least in part on the location of the second gaming device with respect to the first gaming device; and award module arranged to award the primary prize and secondary prize.
 12. A controller as claimed in claim 11, wherein the determination module is further arranged to determine a proportional amount of the primary prize to be awarded as the secondary primary prize.
 13. A controller as claimed in claim 12, the determination module further arranged to determine a further proportional amount for awarding to at least one third gaming device.
 14. A controller as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a database arranged to store the relative positions of the first gaming device and at least one second and/or third gaming device.
 15. A controller as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one second gaming device has a specific spatial orientation with respect to the first gaming device.
 16. A controller as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one second gaming device is located within either a specified distance of, or number of devices adjacent to, the first gaming device.
 17. A controller as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a display module arranged to provide an indication as to the location of the first gaming device on a display.
 18. A controller as claimed in claim 11, wherein the controller is a jackpot controller and the primary prize is a jackpot prize in the linked gaming event.
 19. A gaming system in which a linked gaming event may be conducted, the gaming system comprising: a first and at least one second gaming device which may participate in the linked gaming event; and a controller in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
 20. A method as claimed in claim 1 and further including a computer program code.
 21. A method as claimed in claim 20 and further including a computer readable medium comprising said program code.
 22. A method as claimed in claim 20 and further including a data signal comprising said program code. 